Shit, is everyone drunk?
Looking at Stella on stage makes my decision. I want to dance with this woman. Nodding my head to the security guard I hired, he disappears in the back and the room goes silent as the music stops. Stella kisses the man she’s dancing with on the cheek and heads down to the bar. I watch from a distance and think of all the ways I can punish her, but then she smiles at a lady next to her and my heart melts.
I make my way behind her quietly. Once my arms are braced on the bar around her I lean into her ear. “You’re the hottest piece of ass in this room, and you’re coming home with me. Don’t say my name, just nod.”
She chokes on her drink a bit and then turns into me. “Andrew! You made it!” she calls me by my middle name and then her mouth connects with mine.
“I want to dance, and then take you home. There’s a limo waiting.”
Her eyes melt to the color of pure honey and she sinks into me. I lead her away from the bar and onto the dance floor. The music starts thumping again and I position my hands on her hips swaying in rhythm to the base. Our bodies are plastered together and the heat of our skin seeps through the fabric of our clothes. I turn my hat backwards so I can press my head against hers. We stare into each other, communicating without words.
I move my hands down and dig my fingers into her ass, massaging roughly. Her eyes roll and she throws her head back, moaning. With perfect access to her neck, I suck and nip lightly. She grinds against me, panting slightly. As one song ends and another begins, we continue to rock against each other. Sexual tension hangs in the air and people are watching us closely. No doubt waiting for a show. Threading my fingers through her hair, I pull her face back to mine.
“Home?” I question.
“Yes,” she moans, grinding against me harder.
Spinning her around to hide my bulging dick, I guide us off the dance floor and straight to the exit. The haze lifts and she stops, looking around for Landon and Laci.
“Trust me, they’re taken care of.” I motion to the bodyguard and he nods in understanding.
When we get to the waiting limo, I gently sit her down and give the driver instructions to drive around awhile.
“What’s all this?” She motions as I slide in.
“The beginning of your birthday weekend.”
I pour the champagne and pull her into my lap, nuzzling her neck.
“You surprised me tonight, but it was a good surprise.”
“I couldn’t stay away. You were too tempting dancing on that stage.”
“Sweetie, how’d you know I was dancing on stage?” She pushes against my shoulders, forcing me to look at her.
No reason to lie. “I had a guard on you. He kept me updated throughout the night.”
“Max—”
“I’m a possessive man when it comes to you, Stella. Don’t question it because I can’t explain it. I’ve never been in this position before. The feelings are foreign. It’s not that I don’t trust you, it’s people around you. There’s a need in me to know you’re safe.”
“Is there a reason to think I’m not safe?”
“There’s no glaring threat, if that’s what you’re asking. It’s just a gut feeling I have to protect you.”
The change in her expression surprises me. I expected her to argue, but instead she leans closer and moves to straddle my lap.
“I’m sick of hiding, Max. No more.”
Shock runs through me with her words. “No more?”
“No, I’ve been shielding myself from getting hurt if we didn’t work out. A part of me still can’t figure out what you see in me.”
I open my mouth to argue but she hushes me with a finger to my lips.
“I’ve dated a few guys, Max, even got serious with one, but he violated my trust. He cheated on me repeatedly, not caring the humiliation I endured when he was exposed. He didn’t try to protect me from the hurt nor the shame. He taught me the type of man I should run from, and it’s not you. So if you feel better having me watched I’ll try to accept it. I’m telling you now, Maxwell McCoy, I’m ready for all of you.”
The conversation from yesterday in her office floats through my head and her words ignite a fire in me. Fucking finally.